The battery is a component under the bonnet of almost every car ever made that is responsible for the transfer and storage of electrical current. While it’s much bigger in size than the one used in a remote, smartphone or laptop, it does the same job, just at a different voltage.

Most car batteries nowadays are 12V, and while 24V car batteries do exist they are mainly used in vehicles with start/stop systems and caravans as separate units. Batteries for a car help power more than just engine components, they power all the auxiliary features in your vehicle and just like your tyres or car carpet they too need to be replaced when the time comes or as part of preventative maintenance.

Features to Consider

Date

In order to get the most out of your battery’s lifespan, you should go for one manufactured not long ago. Car batteries usually last anywhere between three and five years, which is why you should get a look at the date found on the top side. Most new car batteries for sale have it as a numeric code in the form of 03/25 which means the battery was made in March of 2025. However, some have it in the form of an alphanumeric code which in this case would be C-5.

CCA

The CCA or cold cranking amps of a car battery refer to its ability to allow you to start your vehicle at low temperatures. For this, you should look into your car’s manual as every manufacturer has different requirements for different vehicles. Keep in mind, though, that a higher CCA rated battery is always a better solution.

Dimensions

The length, width and height of a battery also matter, and if you get one that doesn’t fit in the holder you won’t be able to use it. Make sure that you either refer to your car’s manual or take some tape measure and get the exact numbers of the dimensions of your current battery.

Ah

Your car has a minimum requirement when it comes to Ah or the ampere hour rating which is what your battery should come rated for. Anything below said rating will make the engine struggle and anything above will make the battery last longer as it won’t be as troubled by the needs of the engine as well as other components.

RC

RC or reserve capacity is the period of time the battery can make your vehicle run for without relying on the charging system comprised of an alternator, rotor and stator. This is a safety measure you should keep in mind as when the above system fails your battery can save you by providing power down to 10.5 volts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Maintenance

The car batteries for sale can be either low-maintenance or no-maintenance batteries, but even if they fall in the former category they don’t need much to stay in good shape. They require to be topped off with distilled water when the electrolyte is low and their voltage checked with a vehicle battery monitor so that you can recharge them.

Types of Car Batteries

Lead-Acid

Talking about taking care of your car’s battery, one of the oldest types of batteries that require you take a gander at them from time to time are lead-acid batteries. These are found in most vehicles both old and new, and while they have evolved quite a bit they aren’t the most long-lasting or powerful batteries. However, they are the most affordable solution.

Calcium

If you want a bit of an improvement from lead-acid car batteries for a car then you should consider calcium batteries. These are able to last four years and have a rating of about 30,000 starts as well as being able to provide about 18% more starting power which is useful on a cold morning.

Gel

A safer and more convenient solution than lead-acid batteries are gel cell batteries which have a longer lifespan and are more durable, especially in extreme weather conditions. Their price might be higher but their lifespan is much longer too.

EFB

An EFB or an enhanced flooded battery is essentially a type of lead-acid car battery that is made to support much simpler start/stop systems than those of today. They are known to last anywhere from three to six years and are solid for up to 270,0000 starts. They are also more affordable than their more advanced counterparts, AGM batteries.

AGM

Being more advanced, absorbed glass mat batteries are not full of fluid which means you can mount them how you want without the need to top them off. Unlike EFB batteries, AGM batteries are made to support more advanced start/stop systems and they can last anywhere between five and eight years with up to 360,000 starts. If you have a vehicle with high electrical demands, AGM batteries are your best bet